Assembly Resolution No. 878

BY: M. of A. Magnarelli

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
September 25-30, 2018, as Diaper Need Awareness Week
in the State of New York

WHEREAS, Diaper Need, the condition of not having a sufficient
supply of clean diapers to ensure that infants and toddlers are clean,
healthy and dry, can adversely affect the health and welfare of infants,
toddlers and their families; and

WHEREAS, National surveys report that one in three mothers
experience diaper need at some time while their children are less than
three years of age and forty-eight percent of families delay changing a
diaper to extend their supply; and

WHEREAS, The typical infant or toddler requires an average of 50
diaper changes per week over three years; and

WHEREAS, Diapers cannot be bought with food stamps or WIC vouchers,
and a sufficient supply of diapers can cost as much as six percent of a
full-time minimum wage worker's salary, therefore obtaining a sufficient
supply of diapers can cause economic hardship to families; and

WHEREAS, A supply of diapers is generally an eligibility requirement
for infant and toddlers to participate in childcare programs and quality
early education programs; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body recognizes that addressing Diaper
Need can lead to economic opportunity for the state's low-income
families and can lead to improved health for families and their
communities; and

WHEREAS, New York is proud to be home to various community
organizations including: the Central New York Diaper Bank, Good Plus
Network, Cameron Community Ministries, Heritage Park Parents of
Preschoolers(HP-POP), Homes for the Homeless, Jesus Is The Answer, the
Junior League of Central Westchester, NYC Mamas Give Back, Project
S.E.E.Y.M., ROC City Bottoms, St. John's Outreach Sister Helen's Pantry
The Food Pantries, the Resource Center for Community Development and,
Things of My Very Own that know the importance of diapers in helping
provide economic stability for families and distribute diapers to poor
families through various channels; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim September 25-30, 2018,
as Diaper Need Awareness Week in the State of New York; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.